Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

So, quick question for the experts.

As directed by others, I have my radio connected right to the battery, which is nice not having to have the car on to use it.

But I sorta goofed this morning.. I had the radio on before the car, and started the car with the radio still on. The radio powered off and on when I did this. So, have I harmed anything? It still seems to work, but I am eternally paranoid about equipment I can't afford to replace..

Given the direct connection, I wouldn't expect it to be a voltage spike ; I am thinking more of voltage dropping just enough to turn it off. Any way to check that everything is good still, beyond the obvious? I made a contact through an echolink repeater, and they didn't give any indication of audio problems (well, beyond my throat dealing with the healing it's going through)...

 

I'm gonna go ahead and say that the amp draw on starting drained the radio. I can't say for sure if this is normal (ssorta like interior lights dimming on start up) but maybe test the battery to see if it's up to snuff. If anything the radio would have a protector that would shut it off with too little voltage input too PREVENT damage. I'm still new to the HAM but based on my experience with electronics I'd say these are your possiblities.

 

Like the poster above said, get your battery checked. Sounds like you had a little too much sag on starting.

 

The other thing about the Kenwood system, you can change frequencies remotely so you are not stuck using just one. If you're using a net, then not such a big deal, there will be someone monitoring. In remote areas though, it's nice to have the option of trying multiple repeaters in an emergency. Or maybe it's just a comforting thought to me? Either way, it's something that makes me happy.

 

So, in general, starting your engine with the radio already running shouldn't be a harmful thing? I guess my worry is about any kind of sudden surge from the voltage drop then spike (from the alternator)..

 

It's not something I do, but it shouldn't do anything in theory as long as you're not transmitting.

 

Very common my radios will do the same thing 50% of the time won't hurt a thing haven't lost one in 30 years as a ham. The starter load on the battery drops the voltage and the radio voltage drops below the low end threshold. once the truck starts the voltage is still below the high end for radio voltage.

 

Ok.....so how many of you guys have drilled the hole for a NMO mount? I'd really like to improve my range with that set up, but I just can't bring myself to drill a hole in my mint condition truck. I currently have a tm-v71 dual bander with a dual band 1/4 wave antenna mounted to a BAMF tailgate mount. The antenna is a 3/8x24 threaded antenna, which gave me the ability to use my CB set up I had when I got licensed. It's a great, clean install, but I'm sure I'm not getting the most from it.

Pros/cons? I'd definitely stay with a 1/4 wave dual band antenna regardless.

 

I use a clamp on mount on my baja rack.

 

right in the middle
used the NMO mount from Breedlove Mounts

 

This! For months I had to do it this way to participate on the OAUSA Nets. When i tried it in full crossband repeat, my mobile radio would hit the 3 minute timeout and it was a pain to reset. My issue was that the mountain top repeater doesn't stop transmitting because it's linked. Normal repeater okay, linked systems and nets no go.

 

Nice. How much of an improvement do you think that gives you as far as getting out? Any concerns with the thin sheet metal in that spot? I'm looking at a 13" dual band antenna with that kind of setup. Still scares the sh*t outta me to have a hole drilled.

 

its was noticeable coming from a wilson 2m mag mount antenna. Just measure alot of times, drill once. There is a great thread on here on how to lower the headliner. I currently use a Larson 2/70b antenna. One regret, i should have gone with NMO 3" mount

 

Cool. Thanks!

 

Honestly, I have not had any bad reports about my Yaesu and mag mount... I am sure you get gain from drilling, but not enough for me to care at this point..

 

Longest 2 meter FM contact I ever made was on a Yaesu 1500M and a mag mount...

 

According to Larsen, the difference between a NMO mount through the center of the roof, and a mag mount placed in the center of the roof is -0.02dB. Both antennas the same of course.

 

I drilled through my roof years ago and have had zero issues. I routinely swap out between a 1/4 wave and a 5/8 wave antenna depending on the type of terrain I wheel in, and even with all that screwing and unscrewing still no issues

 

Why the 3" mount? Is it to spread the force of whacking the antenna on a branch or whatever out over a bigger footprint on the roof panel?

I like the fact that with the rig terminal connection you only need 1/2" clearance inside the vehicle.

 

im lazy to trim the low hanging oak tree branches the line the front of my drive way
And the wooded area i drive has alot of low hanging obstacles